Biography of: James L. Bethshares : McCracken County, Kentucky Source; Biographical Sketches from, "Kentucky, History of the State" Main Author; William Henry Perrin 1887 **************************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free genealogical information on the Internet, data may be freely used for personal research and by non-commercial entities as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format or presentation by other organizations or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for profit or any form of presentation, must obtain the written consent of the file submitter, or his legal representative and then contact the listed USGENWEB archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net. Submitted by: Vera Burnham vburnham@metrocast.net Date: August 9, 2002 **************************************************************************** Judge James L. Bethshares, a native of Rutherford County, Tenn., was born in October, 1832, and is a son of William S.Bethshares and Martha L.Bethshares, nee, Johnston, both parents being Virginians by birth the mother still living and a resident of Paducah. The father died in Rutherford County,Tenn., in 1848, and a few years later the family removed to west Tennessee, where in the Cageville Academy, James L. was cheifly educated, and was admitted to the bar in 1875. Since his admission to the bar, Judge Bethshares has devoted hinself exclusively to his profession, for which he possesses a natural fitness. In 1882, he was the choice of the people of McCracken County for judge of the county courts, and is now occupping that office with credit to himself and acceptance to the people. He is an honored member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He was married in February,1870 to Miss Felicia A.Hand daughter of Henry Hand, of Paducah, Ky. it is but justice to Judge Bethshares to say that he has risen to the position of professional honor as the result of his own native energy and perseverance. His gentlemanly and courteous treatment to all has surrounded him with a large circle of admiring friends.